Urban Parks as Perceived by City Residents with Mobility Difficulties: A Qualitative Study with In-Depth Interviews.

Magdalena Wojnowska-Heciak,Magdalena Muszyńska,Marzena Suchocka,Magdalena Błaszczyk

doi:10.3390/ijerph19042018

Abstract

Urban green spaces make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all city residents. Therefore, urban park quality and accessibility are crucial factors in stimulating physical and mental health benefits. This study aimed to assess the quality of urban parks and their accessibility as reported by people with mobility difficulties (seniors, blind and partially sighted people). Four key features of a place (accessibility and linkages, comfort and image, uses and activities and sociability) were considered in an in-depth-interviews (IDI) and “walk-and-talk” interviews. Study results indicate a problem of accessibility of urban parks for people with mobility difficulties (uneven gravel surfaces). However, non-physical aspects of park visits (social activities, cultural events, place branding) were reported as essential factors in explaining the motivation for park visits. Despite individual preferences, experience or reported difficulties, all respondents’ attitudes towards park trips were positive. Therefore, we assume that accessibility is more than just physical comfort. Cultural and social activities play an important role in motivating people with a disability to visit a park.

Highlights

IntroductionPeople who encounter mobility difficulties, especially people with a physical disability, are the most sensitive detectors of urban fabric that includes park quality and accessibility [1–
The objective of this study is to deepen the knowledge about park accessibility and infrastructure characteristics that may affect the frequency of visits of people with a mobility difficulty
The first participants were indicated by the associations of people with disabilities, and subsequent contacts using the snowball method were indicated by earlier participants of the study

Summary

Introduction

People who encounter mobility difficulties, especially people with a physical disability, are the most sensitive detectors of urban fabric that includes park quality and accessibility [1–. Different kinds of mobility disability occur with ageing. Mobility issues do not prevent people from travelling using a wheelchair, a power scooter or lifts and slings, crutches, tricycles and bicycles [6]. Blind or partially sighted people comprise another group. Many people with severe visual impairments can travel independently, using a range of tools and techniques, such as a white cane with a red tip or a lighter identification (ID) cane, employ guide dogs or Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Some blind people are skilled at echolocating silent objects by producing mouth clicks and listening to the returning echoes [9]. Able-bodied parents pushing strollers are exposed to a comparable stress due to physical barriers [10,11]

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Conclusion